February 7 is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD). This year’s theme — I Am My Brother’s and Sister’s Keeper — emphasizes the community’s responsibility to stand united with their family and friends in the fight against HIV and AIDS.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, African Americans continue to experience higher rates of HIV compared to other races and ethnicities. In 2015, African Americans made up about 12 percent of the U.S. population, but accounted for 45 percent of new HIV diagnoses. Among all African Americans, gay and bisexual men account for the majority (58 percent) of new diagnoses.

On that Wednesday, the HIV Prevention and Care Group will offer HIV screenings at the Walgreens pharmacy in Tillman’s Corner (5530 Three Notch Road). The Mobile County Health Department and AIDS Alabama South will provide free HIV Oral Rapid Tests from 3 to 6 p.m. Results from the tests are available within 20 minutes and will be provided on site.

Encouraging signs of progress are being seen. From 2010 to 2014, HIV diagnoses among African American women fell by nearly 25 percent. According to a recent Vital Signs report, HIV diagnoses have also fallen sharply among African Americans who inject drugs.

After years of increases, HIV diagnoses have stabilized among African American gay and bisexual men. This progress suggests that focused HIV prevention efforts are having an effect and need to continue.

For additional details on the testing in Tillman’s Corner, contact Diane Glass, HIV Mobile District Manager, at 251-690-8167.

Information about HIV testing can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/testing.html/

To learn more about NBHAAD, visit https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/library/awareness/nbhaad.html/